KTM boss Pit Beirer shares what Pedro Acosta has done behind the scenes to remind him of Michael Schumacher

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KTM star Pedro Acosta endured a disappointing start to the 2025 season at the Thailand Grand Prix. An early fall condemned him to a 19th-place finish on his factory debut.

Acosta was running ninth and pursuing Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi when he made a mistake at turn one. He slid into the run-off at turn one and fell from the saddle.

The Spaniard was able to remount, but he’d lost too much ground to score points. Acosta’s pace impressed KTM engineers, suggesting he could have finished in the top five with a clean race.

Accidents have regrettably been a consistent theme since the youngster entered the premier class in 2024. Acosta crashed more than any other rider last season, most notably blowing the lead in the Japanese Grand Prix Sprint after bagging his maiden pole position.

Brad Binder and Enea Bastianini were the only KTM riders to score points on Sunday, but Acosta looks set to lead the manufacturer this season. He was the quickest throughout testing and indeed the Thailand GP weekend prior to his mishap.

The 20-year-old qualified seventh in Buriram while his stablemates all exited in Q2. Binder was next-best in 14th.

Pit Beirer compares Pedro Acosta’s work ethic at KTM to Michael Schumacher

Speaking to ServusTV, KTM MotoGP manager Pit Beirer spoke in glowing terms about Acosta’s attitude. He’s noticed that he leaves the pit lane later than any of his competitors.

He pores over the data with his engineers, looking to build up as much knowledge as possible before the race. KTM had ‘horrific’ tyre wear problems in Thailand, making this work more important than ever.

Beirer says Acosta is willing ‘to go a step further’ to find any advantage. This reminds him of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher won seven world championships, a record that’s still yet to be beaten. He enjoyed the most dominant run ever at Ferrari between 2000 and 2004, and many have put this down to his work ethic.

“On a race weekend, he is also the last rider to leave the pit lane because he sits with his technician until the end and studies the data on the tyres,” Beirer said of Acosta.

“He gives it his all, he is an extreme rider, as you have heard from the greatest – like Michael Schumacher. They are the ones who are prepared to go a step further off the race track.”

Neil Hodgson was gobsmacked at ‘perfect’ Pedro Acosta moment during Thailand Grand Prix

KTM know they must deliver a competitive motorcycle for Acosta this season. Otherwise, his many suitors will grow in confidence.

Keith Huewen reckons Acosta has a get-out clause in his contract. If the company’s financial crisis affects their performances, he may be able to leave.

There were signs of promise in the Buriram Sprint as he finished sixth, second among the non-Ducatis. He executed a fine move on Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo to take the position.

Neil Hodgson called Acosta’s pass ‘perfect’ and was stunned that he attempted it at the ‘scary’ turn four. That epitomises the fearlessness with which he’s approached MotoGP.